Papallacta Hot Springs & Hike Day Tour from Quito short description.

A full day tour of adventure and relaxation at the Termas de Papallacta Tour Spa & Resort after an amazing hike on the Cayambe – Coca Reserve. A great option for a full day trip form Quito. We will start a driving southeast of Quito.

Las Termas de Papallacta are located 75 minutes from Quito, traveling through the route to the jungle. As we travel along the eastern range of the Andes we will pass through Valle de Los Chillos, a traditional agricultural town and now days a modern suburb.

The ride allows us witnesses to an amazing change in the landscape and climatic zones; from the warm valley we will enter the cool Paramo and the tropical jungle in less than two hours. If the sky is clear, you may catch a glimpse of the extraordinary snowed peak Antisana Volcano.

The small village of Papallacta, located in the central highlands at 3200m.a.s.l, is home to the Termas de Papallacta (Hot Springs).

The famous thermal pools hold sulfate alkaline waters coming straight from Cayambe and Antisana volcanic fissures. It is common belief that these have healing properties and alleviate illnesses such as arthritis, digestive problems or bad circulation.

Of course, we will have time to enjoy a mind and body restorative experience on the volcanic pools. We can take short hike around the area before or after the immersion to the pools.

The surrounding area, also known as the Cayambe – Coca National Park, is rich in flora and fauna, and mostly characterized by the Polylepis or the paper tree. On the late afternoon we will head back to Quito.

The town of Papallacta is located at a relatively high elevation in the Andes, 3,300 metersabove sea level. The climate is humid, relatively cold and wet; the average day-time temperature is 14°C (57°F). There is little seasonal variation in the area. September is usually the best time to visit Papallacta as it hosts a more active wildlife. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F).

The pools’ the temperature ranges from 36°C to 40°C (97°F to 104°F). Papallacta thermal waters contain sulfates, sodium, calcium, chloride and traces of magnesium which are odourless, colourless but have a slightly salty taste. Although the climate in Papallacta is always dreary, the cold, foggy weather sets a pleasing setting to enjoy the hot springs.

Money:
We recommend you bring small bills to pay for the entrances and tips.

Please, feel free to tip your local guides and drivers if you are glad with their services. Even if not compulsory, tipping is cosidered a gesture of gratitude to the people taking care of you during your trip. We recommend you consider this expense when planning your budget for this tour.

Please be aware that the prices vary consistently due to promotions, so in order to GET THE BEST PRICE for the dates you desire please fill out the request form below. After doing so, we will send you the absolute best prices for the dates that you indicate.